overspread

verb

Etymology: From Middle English overspreden, from Old English ofersprǣdan; equivalent to over- + spread. Cognate with Dutch overspreiden (“to overspread”), German überspreiten (“to overspread”).

1. To spread over or across (something); cover over; be scattered over; permeate, overrun.

   “those nations of the North which overspread the world”

   “Lady Bellaston fixed her eyes on Sophia whilst she spoke these words. To which that poor young lady, having her face overspread with blushes and confusion, answered, in a stammering voice […]”

2. To be spread or scattered about.